Police speaks on suspected hostage taker in Germany

Admin l Saturday, March 11, 2023

 

KARLSRUHE – The 20-year-old man suspected of taking 11 people on  hostage  in a pharmacy for five hours on Friday in Germany’s south-western city of Karlsruhe was armed but he acted alone, police said on Saturday.

A police spokesperson identified the weapon as a shotgun. The initial suspicion was that the man might have had a female accomplice, but this was never confirmed.

“The 20-year-old acted alone,” the spokesman said.

Of the initial 11 hostages, nine had been able to hide in the building, he said. Two people were held by the suspect.

The hostage-taking ended when special forces stormed the pharmacy. No one was injured, the police said.

Shortly before that eyewitnesses said two loud bangs had been heard and that police officers ran towards the pharmacy.

The mayor of Karlsruhe, Frank Mentrup, thanked the emergency services and said he hoped that the hostages would be able to come to terms with what they had experienced as quickly as possible following their release.

“Karlsruhe is relieved that this dangerous situation was ended without bloodshed,” he said in a statement on Friday evening. He thanked the emergency forces of the police, fire brigade and rescue services.

“I am deeply saddened that such an act took place in our midst,” Mentrup said.